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Brigitte Macron's child, her daughter, informed a tribunal in Paris that inaccurate assertions circulating on the internet—among them the baseless theory that Brigitte Macron had a male birth identity—have significantly harmed her mother's daily existence.

She, a legal professional, appeared as a witness in the legal proceedings of a group of defendants accused of digital bullying against her mother.

Effects on Personal Routine

She explained that her mother now is always concerned about her appearance, from her attire to the way she carries herself, as a result of the concern that any image may be misused to support hateful attacks.

"The result is that she always must be cautious to her outfits, how she holds herself, irrespective of she's doing in day-to-day existence," she informed the judges.

Defendants and Accusations

Eight men and two women, aged 41 to 60, are on trial for internet-based bullying. A few had limited online influence, while the rest were more prominent.

Each one is charged with spreading defamatory content about the first lady's identity. In certain cases, this involved equating the disparity in years with her husband to offensive labels.

If found responsible, they may be sentenced to up to two years in jail.

Effect on Relatives

She, a family member from her mother's initial union, explained how the inaccurate allegations have caused a "worsening of her physical state" and a "worsening of her quality of life".

She said, "Not a day goes by when an individual does not talk the issue to her."

She pointed out the impact on her relatives, including the younger generation learning about malicious statements like "She is not truthful" or "She is actually a man".

"She has no idea how to stop it," Auzière remarked. "She didn't run for election, she has not sought anything, and she is permanently subjected to this abuse."

Judicial Proceedings Background

The Paris trial is the latest phase in a broader legal battle addressing the baseless theory that she is supposedly a man.

The Macrons have pursued a case in America over false statements against a media personality who amplified the theory.

The lawsuit asserts that the accusation is entirely inaccurate and points out that the individual referenced is actually Brigitte Macron's sibling.

Accused Individuals' Statements

In court, some of the accused rejected the allegations.

• A retired business owner, now a deputy mayor, stated he "had no purpose to hurt anyone" and referred to his online statements as satirical.
• A well-known publicist stated that his online activity were presented as "humor" and highlighted apprehension that the trial could undermine "free speech".
• A third defendant explained he posted information because he felt it was a worldwide topic with "impact on the nation".

Past Context

The false theory regarding the first lady's identity spread partly because their union has long been a subject of discussion online.

She, who is two decades older than Emmanuel Macron, first met Emmanuel Macron when working as a educator at the institution he attended.

Their bond developed through theatrical projects, and they married in 2007, subsequent to Brigitte Macron's marriage dissolution.

Auzière concluded her testimony by expressing that the inaccurate allegations have produced a "chaos that does not cease" for the first lady.